Description
These Cheddar Crab and Shrimp Mini Quiches are perfect bite-sized appetizers featuring a savory blend of seafood, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic green onions baked in flaky mini pastry shells. Ideal for parties or casual gatherings, they are easy to prepare and delightfully flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Dairy
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Pastry
- 1 package (about 24) mini phyllo or pastry shells
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even baking temperature for the mini quiches.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or heavy cream), salt, black pepper, and paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Seafood and Cheese: Gently fold the cooked crab meat, chopped shrimp, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped green onions into the egg mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Prepare Pastry Shells: Place the mini phyllo or pastry shells on a baking sheet, arranging them so they are spaced evenly and ready to be filled.
- Fill the Shells: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each pastry shell, filling nearly to the top but allowing room for the filling to set and rise slightly without spilling over.
- Bake: Bake the filled shells in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the filling is set, firm to the touch, and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the mini quiches to cool slightly before serving to make handling easier and enhance their flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer texture or with milk for a lighter alternative.
- Mini phyllo shells can be found in most grocery stores in the freezer or refrigerated section; frozen shells should be thawed before use.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- These quiches can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Ensure seafood is fully cooked before adding to the mixture to maintain food safety.
